Markets and Economy

Read our latest market commentary on of-the-moment trends so you can make informed investment decisions

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Markets and Economy

After Merry Pre-Holiday Rally, Fresh Job Data Due

Jobless claims are today's data highlight after stocks rallied broadly Tuesday despite climbing Treasury yields. Tech led, and data and earnings are sparse before the weekend.

Futures

Looking to the Futures

Equity markets bounced back to close near their pre-FOMC levels on Christmas Eve.

Markets and Economy

Short Session Follows Two-Day Recovery Effort

Stocks close at 1 p.m. ET today and bonds close an hour later, likely meaning a light volume ahead of tomorrow's holiday. Tech led yesterday's gains, but small caps got hurt by rising yields.

Markets and Economy

Schwab Market Update

Today often kicks off the Santa Claus rally. Stocks rose and volatility is down sharply from recent peaks, but yields keep rising, which has hurt the non-tech part of the market.

Options

Today's Options Market Update

Stocks are mostly higher ahead of the holiday-shortened week as investors hope Santa Claus will pay a visit to Wall Street this year.

Trading

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Stocks experienced a midweek correction following a hawkish FOMC meeting, but are recovering lost ground today following a cool PCE report.

Markets and Economy

PCE Price Data Ahead After Fed's Cautious Outlook

Today features PCE prices, the inflation report most closely watched by the Fed, as well as a look at consumer sentiment. Washington is also in focus amid a shutdown showdown.

Markets and Economy

2025 Market Outlook: Fixed Income

As we approach 2025, what can investors expect from muni bonds, investment-grade corporate bonds, and the fixed income markets in the new year?

Markets and Economy

Fed Expected to Announce Another Rate Cut

Federal Reserve policymakers will complete their last meeting of 2024 today, and investors are forecasting a reduction of 25 basis points in the target fed funds rate.

Market Volatility

Stocks Plunge After Fed Outlook Disappoints

U.S. stocks retreated as the Fed indicated it likely would lower rates only twice in 2025. The Dow dropped more than 1,000 points, and the S&P slid almost 3%. The Nasdaq lost 3.6%.

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Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Hedging and protective strategies generally involve additional costs and do not assure a profit or guarantee against loss.

Options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Certain requirements must be met to trade options through Schwab. Please read the options disclosure document titled "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options" before considering any option transaction. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.

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Covered calls provide downside protection only to the extent of premiums received, and prevent any profitability above the strike price of the call.

Cryptocurrency- related products carry a substantial level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Investments in cryptocurrencies are relatively new, highly speculative, and may be subject to extreme price volatility, illiquidity, and increased risk of loss, including your entire investment in the fund. Spot markets on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and largely unregulated, and therefore, may be more exposed to fraud and security breaches than established, regulated exchanges for other financial assets or instruments. Some cryptocurrency-related products use futures contracts to attempt to duplicate the performance of an investment in cryptocurrency, which may result in unpredictable pricing, higher transaction costs, and performance that fails to track the price of the reference cryptocurrency as intended. Please read more about risks of trading cryptocurrency futures here.

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